Share This Story!

Vero Beach resident's generosity felt by clients of New Horizons of Treasure Coast

For the second consecutive year, Jodi Harvey donated $1,000 to New Horizons to buy items for hundreds of indigent mental health clients and for the PATH Program, which helps men and women transition from homelessness to a safer and more stable lifestyle.

Thanks to the generosity of Vero Beach resident Jodi Harvey, many of the area’s homeless and adults without any family will have gifts to open on Christmas morning.

For the second consecutive year, Harvey donated $1,000 to New Horizons of the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee to buy items for hundreds of indigent mental health clients and for the PATH Program, which helps men and women transition from homelessness to a safer and more stable lifestyle.

“We all need a helping hand at some point in our lives,” said Harvey. “I am so grateful for the people who have been there for me. This is my way of paying it forward.”

The money was given to New Horizons program managers to purchase gifts – such as slippers, socks and hygiene supplies – for clients who would otherwise receive nothing for Christmas.

Ethan, 5, and Jacob, 8, tell Santa (Kevin Lake) what they want for Christmas before heading off to enjoy breakfast and other activities.(Photo11: CONTRIBUTED BY LISA RYMER/NEW HORIZONS)

The managers also bought tarps, snacks, bug spray, razors and toilet paper for the social workers to give to men and women they encounter in the woods, camps and streets. Providing for their needs and offering support helps build trust, and those who become willing are encouraged to seek additional assistance at New Horizons.

“We can help connect them with the resources they are eligible for, such as medical care, food stamps, and even community housing,” said Jennifer Bresnahan, a program supervisor.

New Horizons also works with other nonprofit organizations at Christmas and throughout the year to provide for children from low-income families associated with the agency.

“It’s not just about the presents,” said Heather Roberts, program manager of outpatient services in Indian River County and Okeechobee. “We reach out to specific populations to develop personal connections … to let them know people care about them as individuals, and show them there is a whole community that supports their journey to wholeness. This is a time to celebrate together.”

Earlier this month, New Horizons partnered with the St. Lucie Mets to host its third annual Breakfast with Santa, a free-for-kids holiday event with food, crafts, cookie decorating and photos with Santa. The goal is to provide as many fun, wholesome experiences for children to help create wonderful memories that last a lifetime.

"You never know what people are going through in their personal lives," said Harvey, who attended the breakfast and visited with Santa. "Treat each other with love and kindness. That's the least we can do."

New Horizons is the most comprehensive mental health and substance use recovery agency in the region, with nine offices in four counties serving 14,000 children and adults annually, regardless of their ability to pay. More than half of New Horizons clients have no source of income or insurance, yet no one is turned away due to lack of financial resources.

Read or Share this story: https://www.tcpalm.com/story/specialty-publications/luminaries/st-lucie-county/2018/12/18/vero-beach-resident-spreads-christmas-cheer-donation-new-horizons-treasure-coast/2356735002/